Halloween in Northern Ontario is often subject to the whims of Mother Nature with trick-or-treating sometimes looking more like Christmas caroling! Last year, cold weather and a blanket of snow forced some trick-or-treaters to end the Halloween fun early. It was with this in mind that Sundridge Centennial Public School’s staff and parent council decided to open up the school to the community on Halloween with Sundridge’s first ever Trunk or Treat event.
“The school should act as the critical part of the community,” said SCPS Principal Jill Cooper. “When identifying needs that best support our community and our students, we should act creating a reasonable solution. We identified the need for a warming station and washroom in this area of town to benefit those out for the evening.”
Principal Cooper and the parent council then leaned into the school’s role as a critical part of the community by expanding the initial idea to include serving hot chocolate and creating a safe space for kids and a Halloween hub for the community.
Parent Council Deputy Chair JP Bressan proposed creating a venue for rural community members to participate and enjoy Halloween by creating a Trunk or Treat in the SCPS parking lot. Rural community members are invited to fill the trunks of their cars with Halloween candy and congregate in town at the more centrally located school. Visitors can warm up, use the restroom, enjoy hot chocolate, and trick or treat in one convenient location.
“Many of our rural community members do not get to experience trick-or-treaters. They want to show support and enjoy seeing the young community members dressed up, excitedly enjoying the evening,” Cooper said. “A Trunk or Treat provides an opportunity to connect all community members making a safe and enjoyable evening for all.”
Student volunteers from Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, the OPP, Sundridge Strong Volunteer Fire Fighters, Town Councillor Sharon Smith, Mayor Justine Leveque and the Village of Sundridge recreation committee will be present and are all contributing their time and effort to organizing and managing the event.
“Community members are invited to come and bring Halloween treats. We respectfully request they provide prepackaged and labelled treats that have been manufactured in a nut-free facility to ensure we are following the school’s anaphylaxis guidelines,” Cooper said. “Those participating will park in the school parking lot with their trunks open and treats ready for children to visit and show off their costumes.”
Community members interested in participating can contact Principal Cooper at the school 705-472-5101 ext. 8023 to register before Oct. 25th. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31st.
